The pride was quiet. Well, no place with so very many lions concentrated could be quiet, so perhaps the better word was content. The strange goings on had ceased, although rumor had it some fish monster goddess was still hanging out in the watering hole for reasons only she knew, and nothing was amiss with the ruling monarch or her family. Lions could relax and have their cubs in peace, the cubs grew into adults who then contributed to the pride and the cycle of life continued ever onward.
And yet Nyeusi was restless.
She knew the Great Lion had blessed them all, she knew He had not abandoned his favor ever since Shangyue had been overthrown, and she knew her own family was doing well. Great Lion knew her cubs by Him had prospered.
But something wasn't quite normal. Nyeusi wasn't certain it was wrong, but it was definitely different. Like a storm about to break, maybe. But if so, she didn't think this was anything to do with the pride, not like when Shangyue had murdered his way to the top. This felt personal. Frustrated, the black lioness was seeking someone to help her figure things out. Not the Queen, of course, she was not such a rank to seek that aid. Nor the Shaman, for she had the feeling this was nothing of Lailah's domain. Her parents would be of no help, nor did she wish to seek an elder's opinion.
So she found herself outside of Rive's den.
